The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-08-12
THE PILGRIM FATHERS.

Some Extracts from Dutch History-where
Our Forefathers Embarked for America.
Correspondence springfield Republican.
Delftshaven is little village on the Mas,
nine miles south of Delt, in Holland. From
there the Pilgrim Fathers first embarked with
the intention of settling in America Rev. f. J.
kim. former pastor of the Reformed Church
there. has written history of the town in
Dutch, from which the following chapters have
been translated for by D. Croll, of Debts
haven, who kindly volunteered his services:
1920.
THE PILGRIM FATHERS
On the 22d of July, 1920. large crowd was
collected on the quay at Delftshaven. A ship
was lying there at anchor called tine Speedwell,
waiting for large number of passengers. A
in England in the year 1892
had caused violent persecution of the
Puritaps and many of them had fed to the hos
pitable shores Of Holland. They settled at Ley
den and chose one among their number, called
Robinson. their pastor. They were proud of
their name Of Pilgrims During the twelve
was all that could be desired as
far as religious liberty was con-
cerned and the liberation they enjoyed. The
mum cipal authorities had no reason complain
of them. but they had great difficulty in pro-
viding for their wants. The fear of being COM
PEELED to enlist against the Spanards made them
resolve to found colony il America,
and accordingly ship was bought
and was ready to leave the above named
date All the members of the community were
leaving while the others were to awaits another
opportunity. The inhabitants of Delftshaven
witnessed a scene which was destined to remain
engraved on their hearts The farewells were
very affecting, but before they left, the Rev.
Robinson knelt down and offered up a fervent
prayer in which he recommended those of the
flock. whom he hoped soon to follow, to the
mercy of God. Once more they fell into each
others arms and the Speedwel lifted her
Choir and shaped her course toward Southamp-
ton whence another vessel the Mayfower,
veyed them to America. They arrived there
safely and founded New Plymouth.
This apparently insignificant occurrence is one
of the most important events in the history of
the New World. Thus the foundation was laid
of one of the most hourishing colonies of one of
the worlds greatest empires The day upon
which the Speedwell lifted her anchor at Delfts-
haven may be regarded the day upon which
the first spark of life glowed Of the gigantic
pire called the United States OF North
America.
1867.
THE STONE OF CHICAGO.
In the year 1866 the church wardens of the
Reformed Church at Delfshaven were informed
by Dr. Nj. Cohen Stuart that inhabitant of
Chicago was DESTROYS of obtaining a memorial
stone for new church from the spot whence
the Pilgrim Fathers. the founders of the United
States, sailed for the new world. The church
wardens complied with this request and sent
stone from one Of the tombs, which was marked
1895, to America through the Intervention of DR..
Cohen Stuart. From thence word came that the
new church Zone of the finest in the United
States) was consecrated on the 9Th of February,
1901 In the front eaole Is put on the rlgnt-nand
side the stone from Delftshaven. and beside this
two other stones placed in tho gable;
from the church of Scrooby Manor in England.
where the colonsts lived before their exile. and
one from Plymouth Rock, where they first set
foot in the new world
The above extracts from the history of Delfts-
haven have probably not before found their way
into English print And they of importance
showing the present feeling of the Dutch
toward the Pilgrim Fathers and America in gem
eral. The quay still stands. and the same old
church the edge of the harbor where the
Speedwell received her passengers. Inside the
church is a stone, set in the wall, bearing
inscription, indicating that it was sent from
Chicago Also, in ante-room, an engraving
is suspended, representing the first religious
meeting of the Pilgrims in America.